Migrant Values and Beliefs: How Are They Different and How Do They Change?

Publication Abstract

Williams, Nathalie, Arland Thornton, and Linda C. Young-DeMarco. 2014. "Migrant Values and Beliefs: How Are They Different and How Do They Change?" Journal of Ethnic and Migration Studies, 40(5): 796-813.

This is a study of the values of migrants. We examine processes of selection-how values affect migration-and adaptation-how migration influences value changes. Empirical analyses use a unique collection of data that combines detailed information on values from a representative sample of non-migrants in Nepal with a representative sample of Nepali migrants living in the Persian Gulf. Results suggest that migrants were selected from those who were more materialistic, less committed to religion and more family-oriented. In terms of adaptation, our results are consistent with the idea that migrants become more religious, less committed to historical Nepali values, and change ideas about family-orientation in mixed ways. Thus, we find that value adaptations of migrants are complex processes that could have immense impacts on ideational diffusion around the world.